Whats So Good About The Animal Kingdom Lodge?

[Disneyluver4Life]

I dont get why the Animal Kingdom Lodge is considered a deluxe resort? It doesnt have a marina, beach, water sports, biking or even a jogging trail? I know every resort has its own theme but why pay almost as much as the other ones when its in the middle of nowhere and theres not even a water taxi or monorail. I know the resort is beautiful dont get me wrong but besides viewing the animals what other activities is there too do for adults? I am booked to go there in nov cause no other resorts are available. To all disluvers who love the lodge im not putting it down just dont agree with disney charging so much it for it when it has limited activites. Does anyone know of activities they have that im unaware of? Thanks everyone

 

[jlawall]

I stayed there last summer and it was really cool to see the animals right outside your room while sitting on the balcony. Each time you look out there are different animals grazing about. This is an unique experience because at a zoo or park you see a snapshot of an animal's behaviors but in this setting, you can watch for an extened time. It is very relaxing and interesting. The resort is very nice. The staff treats you the way any of the more expensive resorts treat you. There is a difference! Have a great trip!

 

[Feelin' Goofy]

You might want to check out the codes on Mousesavers they have room codes cheaper than the moderates in Nov.
Try this link it is about half way down the page.



mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html

 

[adisneynut]

A gym and and they offer spa services. Also the hae a chidlren's club that offers babysitting. These services are offered at other deluxe resorts. I think the mon0rail or moat service would be out of theme for this resort. It does offer to it concierge guest the Sunrise Safari , for $50.00 a person for ages 10 and up.

 

[kdibattista]

full service room service

 

[jennymouse]

Actually, I think there's quite a bit of difference between the price of AKL and the MK & Epcot resorts. WL and AKL are priced somewhere between that of a moderate and the MK & Epcot resorts, but have ammenities of a deluxe. I got a great code rate and am paying $149 a night.

As far as tranportation, while the monorail & boat transportation at the MK & Epcot resorts is nice, it only goes to one or two parks, you have to take a bus or drive to all the others. The buses that service the MK & Epcot resorts makes multiple stops at other resorts. AKL buses pick up at AKL only; they pick you up then head directly to the parks without having to stop at other resorts to pickup other guests on the way.

If it were me, if I didn't think I would enjoy AKL, I'd either keep trying to book elsewhere or go at another time. If go with the attitude that you don't like where you're staying and aren't getting your money's worth, you won't enjoy your stay.

 

[Peter Pirate]

besides viewing the animals

No offense, but if this is your attitude DON'T stay at the AKL. AKL is all about the animals. They don't have marinas, surrey bikes, etc. because of the animals. This one extra alone cost Disney much more than all of the other so called deluxe extras combined. There is no confusion among us AKL lovers about which Resort is the best on property, but there are plenty of people who just see it differently. AKL is dark, quiet (subdued) and all about Africa. There aren't many touristy things to do but there are animals, African artifacts, educational opportunities and the wonderful African CM's to talk about it all...

I realize you said the other resorts are full, but you should do your best to find a resort that will keep you busy before it's too late. I'm afraid you WILL be dissappointed at the AKL.

 

[jeffemy]

My family is also planning a stay at AKL in December and I read in a guide book that guests at AKL may also partake in activities offered at other resorts. Does anyone know exactly what this means? Can you for instance, use the bc's pool? I hope I don't sound too "dopey"!

Thanks,
Maria

 

[HookdonWDW]

Maria,

Basically, pool hopping is not allowed. The exceptions I can think of to this rule are that people who are staying at an All Star Resort can use a pool at any of the AS Hotels, and that those staying at POR and the FQ can use either pool. DVC members have pool hopping privileges, except during peak periods, and AKL and SAB (B&YC/BCV) are never open for pool hopping. HTH!

 

[Wildcard]

Also, there are two full service restaurants vs. one or less at the moderates.

 

[caseih]

Have breakfast at Boma's one morning, you'll be glad you are there at the AKL. Have you seen it? Beautiful resort, excellent theme, more private than some of the other resorts. We have visited the AKL in July, but are going to be staying there in December.

 

[tripben]

I'm not sure I understand why you are so dissapointed. You can go to a resort/hotel just about anywhere in Orlando or anywhere else for that matter and get a water view with water amenities that allow you to spend lots of money renting boats etc... I have never been to a resort before that you could actually experience the atmosphere that the AKL has.

AKL is not as expensive as many of the other deuxe resorts, but offers the same level of services ( full service resturants, spa, concierge, etc...)

If you are not into the animal thing, maybe you could find a Downtown Disney hotel or off site hotel that does offer the type of amenities you are looking for.

Personally, I loved the AKL, but not everyone does. It is your vacation, you might not want to stay somewhere you won't be happy.

Sam

 

[Jen D]

My family is also planning a stay at AKL in December and I read in a guide book that guests at AKL may also partake in activities offered at other resorts. Does anyone know exactly what this means? Can you for instance, use the bc's pool? I hope I don't sound too "dopey"!

They are probably referring to the boating and water sports that are available at the MK/Epcot hotels, also things like the special children's activities at the Grand Floridian. You don't have to be staying at a certain resort to rent watercraft at their marina. Pool hopping is out, though.

 

[Disneyluver4Life]

I am not complainin about AKL, just unsure of what to expect since Ive never stayed there. I know its a beatiful resort and I aint putting it down, just wish there were more activites. I know watching the animals must be a treat in itself but I like riding a bike around a resort ect. To all disluvers of AKL, I bet its a beatiful resort, I just wanted to know more. See, when i got the brochure withthe disney tape and I looked up amentities, I saw AKL was deluxe but was cheaper but had less amentities( activites). So, I was totally confused. Sorry if anyone felt I was talking negatively about the resort.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

If you keep calling CRO everyday I'm sure other resorts will open up. Especially at 45 days out, 30 days out, and 5 days out. It sounds like you'd be happier in the Boardwalk area. They have tons of bikes, boats, etc, that you can rent there. Or you could look into renting DVC points.

I've never stayed at AKL before, but the pictures look amazing.

 

[Peter Pirate]

Disneyluver4life, my post probably sounded the harshest and it wasn't intended to be. I just tried to point out what the AKL is (and what it isn't) & like a couple others, think you might be happier at one of the other Resorts. Just because I would always be happier at AKL means absolutely nothing in context to other families. We wouldn't ride bikes or boat, etc, we love the animals...If you would like more than animals, then perhaps an Epcot Resort would be perfect...

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by Disneyluver4Life
I dont get why the Animal Kingdom Lodge is considered a deluxe resort? It doesnt have a marina, beach, water sports, biking or even a jogging trail? I know every resort has its own theme but why pay almost as much as the other ones when its in the middle of nowhere and theres not even a water taxi or monorail. I know the resort is beautiful dont get me wrong but besides viewing the animals what other activities is there too do for adults? I am booked to go there in nov cause no other resorts are available. To all disluvers who love the lodge im not putting it down just dont agree with disney charging so much it for it when it has limited activites. Does anyone know of activities they have that im unaware of? Thanks everyone

I don't know what rate you are paying but the AKL has the cheapest deluxe resort rate out there. I think that is because it has less of what the other deluxes have. Transportation is all bus service. Even the WL has a boat to the MK. I have seen the AKL have rooms as low as $125 with WL coming in second at $149, both for standard rooms. I personally think the AKL is ugly but that is just my opinion! I'm glad that there are people that like it as that keeps other resorts open for me!

 

[queenofhearts]

Hi Disneyluver4life!

I've never stayed at the AKL, so I can't speak from first hand experience (yet ). My first visit will be this November, and this was hands down my first choice of lodging in Disneyworld. Here are a few reasons that I selected it. I hope this list might help you find a few things that you can really love about the AKL:

-Animals, Animals, Animals! (I love animals, and where else can you stay in a beautiful resort and be able to look out your window to view an "African Savannah" (In the US, of course) The lodge will even arrange a dinner on your balcony if you request it. I think I may be more excited about this than the Disney themeparks! ) Of course, this one goes without saying.

-Relaxation: Once again, not speaking from first hand knowledge. However, I've read in many posts that when you're at the AKL, you feel "removed" from all the hustle and bustle of WDW. This would probably be a negative for some, but since this is my first vacation in 4 years, I definitely want to work-in some enjoyable "down time." I couldn't think of a nicer place to relax at Disneyworld.

-African theme: I really want to learn more about the African culture. I'm hoping that the AKL will give me an opportunity to learn more about the people, the animals & landscape, the traditions, the food, and the art that make Africa such an intriguing continent. I'm planning on participating in the following activities at the AKL (if anyone knows of more, I'd be delighted to hear about them!):
AKL Tour (You learn about the lodge itself and some of the artwork. I've read that the AKL hosts the largest collection of African art in the US!)
Storytime at the Firepit (I'm an adult, but I'm a kid while I'm on vacation at Disney! The African CMs share an African folktale around the firepit.)
Sunrise Safari (AKL Concierge guests can go on a safari tour. During the tour, the CM tells you about the animals, and you are provided with ample time to observe and photgraph the animals. Afterwards, you are treated to breakfast. This costs $50.00 per guest)
Striking up conversations with the CMs (I've heard that the CMs are very friendly and knowledgable about the lodge. Many of them are from Africa!)

Food: Can't wait to eat at Jiko and experience some African-inspired dishes!

Service: This one I can speak on first hand. Alana, a CM in concierge, has already bent over backwards to make my upcoming stay unforgettable and filled with magic. Everytime I call, the receptionist is friendly and I never wait on hold for very long. In addition, I've read wonderful reviews of the CMs at the AKL. I'll be able to say more when I return (hopefully all good), but so far, I feel like a princess!

I hope this helps a little bit. I'm sure there is so much more to do and see than I've touched on here. When I get back, I'll be sure to post my review. Maybe that will be more comprehensive.

If you are still feeling uneasy about staying at the AKL, keep calling Disney. I'm sure people cancel their reservations, and there's a good chance that you would be able to book a stay at another resort. Wherever you choose, have a spectacular Disney vacation!!

 

[Carnotaurus]

before we stayed at the animal kindgom lodge, i had no real interest in african culture or design, almost no interest in african food, and no interest in animals..

now, i hunger for the place. it smells like magic fire. boma is sublime. the rooms are beautiful, the lobby a wonder. for me, the animals are just background. but WHAT a background.

go. you'll love it.

 

[Wildcard]

Originally posted by Carnotaurus
before we stayed at the animal kindgom lodge, i had no real interest in african culture or design, almost no interest in african food, and no interest in animals..

now, i hunger for the place. it smells like magic fire. boma is sublime. the rooms are beautiful, the lobby a wonder. for me, the animals are just background. but WHAT a background.

go. you'll love it.

Couldn't agree more. Its the ambiance that drew me in and makes me want to go back. The animals were secondary.